The Jackson Woods Transformation Continues

Early Saturday morning, the Jackson Woods parking lot was full. Teams of people, young and old, dressed in winter gear and much-needed waterproof boots, sipped hot chocolate. Work gloves, trash bags, daffodil bulbs and garden tools were distributed to everyone.

A favorite of hikers, birdwatchers and geocachers, Jackson Woods is one of the very few natural open spaces left in Long Branch. Many of the marked trails through the woods were destroyed in Superstorm Sandy.

It didn't take long for the teams to return to the parking lot, carrying bags filled with plastic bottles, cans and household junk. A truckload of trash was removed from the park. More debris still needs to be removed, especially under the bridges, but might have to wait until spring.

Volunteers planted daffodils at the Avenel park entrance. There will be about five-thousand daffodils to greet visitors in the spring. Weeds and invasive plants were removed and Long Branch railroad blocks were rescued from the underbrush.

Kathy Buchan said, " The park is now far more accessible to police patrol and pedestrian hikes. Thank you to all the volunteers who gave of their time and energy and made a difference today ... Long Branch Pride... giving back to the community you live in ..this Thanksgiving I am thankful for the mini army of volunteers with a can do positive attitude.."

The following community members worked on the project: Mayor John Pallone, Public Works, Robert Goodman, Boy Scout Troop 148, Monmouth University's Big Event Student Volunteers, The Master Gardeners of Monmouth County, the Long Branch Green Team, Will Johnson, the Monmouth County Clean Community Leader, neighbors and friends.

The Long Branch community is invited to take a tour of the park, offer suggestions for improvements, and volunteer.

Please send a message to Rutgersu8@gmail.com to be included in project updates.

Photo Credit: Kathy Buchan, T.J.Todman